News of Friends of Grasslands ... Supporting native grassy ecosystems MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011 .

ISSN 1832-6315 .

Program Program FOG March visit SAT 5 MAR, 9.30am-3.30pm. FOG Working Bee, Old Common Grassland Reserve. See page 2. to THURS-FRI 10-11 MAR. Indigenous Values Work- Mount shop 1, Making string, glue and baskets , with Rod Ma- Mount son. See page 2 and flier. Oak SUN 13 MAR, 9am-4pm. FOG/Fenner Working Bee, Stirling Park, Yarralumla. See page 2. TUES 15 MAR, 5.30 for 6pm. FOG Annual General Meeting. See page 2.

April Gidja showing the map of SAT 9 APR, 9am to noon, Hall Cemetery working bee. Mount Oak Morning tea supplied. Inquiries: Andy (andy.russell@fo- above. g.org.au or 6251 8949). 10 (SUN) & 16 (SAT) APR, 10am-noon, Heritage week walks at Cooleman Ridge FOG members are invited to attend. See page 2. WED-THURS 20-21 APR. Indigenous Values Work- shop 2, Resource flows in the landscape, with Rod Ma- son. See page 2 and flier.

It is membership renewal time Jandamarra A membership renewal form for 2011 is enclosed, and if Above, and you do not renew this will be your last newsletter. Please his painting of complete the renewal form it carefully. You may pay by bogong moths cheque, money order or EFT. Annual rates are only $20 Left. for families/individuals, $5 for students/concessions, and $50 for organisations. Donations, while not tax deduc- table, are very welcome. The form is also on our website (www.fog.org.au). For any queries contact Margaret on 02 6241 4065 or [email protected].

In this issue Program & upcoming FOG events Corroboree News roundup beetle feeding FOG advocacy on Cultivation corner bursaria Report 2010 Below. John Blay on the Bundian Pass Looking back and forward, the FOG-Fenner Group How to grow weeds Knob sedge and short-stem sedge News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 222

Upcoming FOG Events Please register for FOG activities will see expansive views of the You are welcome at any time, but with the FOG contact person who landscape, develop skills, the more people who are available at can assist with directions and possi- and catch up with other FOG 9 am the easier it will be to brief par- bly car pooling. By registering, you members. ticipants. assist FOG to organise any catering OCCGR is located off the southern Please register with Jamie Pittock for and to provide you with other infor- end of Polo Flat Road, Cooma, and lunch and insurance pur- mation you may need. has been established by FOG and poses: [email protected]. Cooma Monaro Shire Council. It is Indigenous values workshops Heritage week walks fascinating to visit any time. It Making string, glue and baskets Cooleman Ridge contains two threatened and one Thurs-Fri 10-11 March, Garuwanga 10am-noon, 10&16 April Resource flows in the landscape rare plant species. There are some Wed-Thurs 20-21 April, Garuwanga working bee tasks not using The Cooleman Ridge Park Group chemicals. has asked FOG to partner in their ac- These workshops are an important tivities during Heritage Week. It has At lunchtime FOG helps with FOG initiative and have been adver- organised two walks on the ridge be- lunch expenses. Petrol costs of 15 tised in previous FOG newsletters. hind Chapman, and are inviting any- cents a kilometre can also be paid. The cost is $25 for two lunches and one interested to join them. For further details contact Marga- morning and afternoon teas. For ret Ning on 6241 4065 Sun 10 April. Doug Tinney will lead those wishing to stay at Garuwanga or [email protected] . a walk along the trail which is regu- before, during or after the workshop, larly weeded by students of Chap- FOG/Fenner Working Bee accommodation is free. man Primary School. Doug will Stirling Park, Yarralumla A flier on the workshops is enclosed point out the remnant eucalypts, the 9am - 4:00 pm, Sun 13 March with this newsletter. native tomato, the native cherry, aca- The plan is to expand the woody cia, cassinia, kangaroo grass and FOG Annual General Meeting weed free area at Stirling Ridge other native species. There are mag- Conservation Council, where Australia’s second largest nificent views of the Tidbinbilla and 5:30 for 6:00 pm, Tues 15 March population of button wrinklewort Bullen ranges, and to the city. Meet Please help FOG by coming to your is being overrun. This is inspiring at the top of Guiness Place. AGM and participating in discussion work where the fruits of our previ- Sat 16 April. A 2.7km stroll of the of plans for 2011. There will be nib- ous work can be seen in a rejuve- circuit trail, with views of the city, bles from 5:30 pm. After the AGM, nated grassy understorey. mountains and valleys, and informa- please join us for dinner at a nearby We plan to meet beside Alexan- tion from Gosta Lynga about the Indian Restaurant. drina Drive midway between Mari- past, the plants and the animals. The For catering purposes and if you are ner Place and Hopetoun Circuit. trail is not suitable for strollers or joining us for dinner, please contact We will set up camp about 300m wheelchairs. A brochure will be pro- Isobel Crawford (6257 1860 or iso- further west than for previous vided. Meet at the Kathner St en- [email protected]) by Thurs- work parties. Those arriving later trance to the ridge. day 10 March. can find us on the north-east side For more information contact of the ridge by the northern fence. To receive the meeting papers in ad- [email protected], or Please bring drinking water, sun vance and/or offer your apologies Arminel 6231 7392. protection and sturdy footwear. please contact Al Gabb (al.gabb@f- og.org.au or 0433 357 654). FOG Membership The Conservation Council is at 3 To join or renew Childers St, Acton (not far from the FOG membership entitles you to receive our newsletter and e-Bulletin, Street Theatre). to attend FOG’s many and diverse activities, and much more. FOG OCCGR Working Bee The cost is small : $20 for individuals and families, $5 for students/ 9:30 – 3:30 pm, Sat 5 March concessions and $50 for organisations. Membership is due on 1 Janu- ary each year. Attending a working bee at Old Cooma Common Grassland Reserve Membership forms are available on our website: www.fog.org.au and (OCCGR) provides a great opportu- you may pay by cheque or electronically. nity to visit a good example of an in- While donations are not tax deductable, they are always very welcome. teresting and diverse basalt grassland For inquiries contact Margaret Ning on 02 6241 4065 or member- on the Southern Tablelands. You [email protected].

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 333

Meet the Mt Oakies Geoff Robertson News Roundup SAT 29 JAN On a perfect summer day, fourteen FOG members, in- cluding our hosts, Gidja Walker and Philip Jensen, visited Mt Oak, which has a long natural and cul- tural history. Just beyond the front gate, Gidja, with the occasional addition by Philip, provided an overview of ecology of Mt Oak and their at- tempts to deal with the weed issues. She told the story of the Mt Oak community and its transition from a collective community living on the land to a property primarily man- aged for biodiversity. The title is held by the Free Land Association, a trust, which was established to protect the title and retain it in mallee-form peppermint grows , but various websites linked to the Mt community ownership. Gidja, who from the side of the hill we could see Oak website, while the outdoor types is an ecologist and teacher, is one wonderful Monaro vistas to the east. explored the property some more of the trustees, while the Mt Oak with Gidja. Both subgroups were Back in the cars we negotiated the Community Association manages pleased with their choices. the land road, which my Camry and its five passengers found challenging. We Unfortunately Mt Oak has many More recently, a conservation cove- arrived at the crest of the hill with weeds and it was informative to nant had been taken out over a grassland to the front and rear of us. learn what has been tried and how it large portion (880ha) of the prop- We walked a little way south into a has worked. erty. Excluded from the covenant woodland area where the vegetation More information may be found in are the areas where dwellings have changed, especially on the southern an article on Mt Oak in our Septem- been established, the orchards, and slope. Nearby was an area where ber-October 2010 newsletter and on other areas that have been modi- there were some buildings, a re- the fabulous Mt Oak website. A very fied. Gidja produced a map to point minder of the time when many com- enjoyable day was had by all. Gidja out many features of the 1,140ha munity members lived there. property, with its largely apple box and Philip are enthusiastic FOG woodland and natural grassland and Our next stop was a community members and were very informative. everyone looked and listened with dwelling where we enjoyed the Thank you Mt Oakies for your hos- fascination. lunches that we had brought, supple- pitality, and to Margaret Ning for or- mented by tea and coffee. Jan- ganizing the trip. While some car pooling had al- damarra, an aboriginal elder who This was Margaret’s and my second ready taken place on the trip to Mt currently lives at Mt Oak, joined us trip to Mt Oak. Last time we saw Oak, there was further consolida- and played several didgeridoos, ex- very different sites. There is a lot to tion, and then the group drove the plaining how to make the various see there and we shall definitely visit six kilometres that runs along the sounds. He also provided some in- eastern edge of the property. Our sights into Ngarigo culture and Two messages from Margaret initial stop was near a large ephem- talked about some of his work as an eral wetland, Bullanamang Lake, a elder especially with the younger It takes a lot of effort to process Wetland of National Significance, folk. Then he revealed his artistic membership renewals and to chase which is not part of Mt Oak, but side, showing a number of his paint- up stragglers. Please renew quickly, which the Mt Oakies would like to or let me know if you won’t be re- ings and explaining the symbolism. newing, if you haven’t already. add to the property someday. We It was a treat to listen to and learn started to walk up the hill and came from him. I have some Waproo applicators that across a number of Desmodium make cutting and daubing and other brachypodium, a first for many of After lunch we walked along the weeding easy. erosion gully, and then the group us. We did not get to the hill top My contact details are marga- split, with the more-nerdy joining where an undescribed species of [email protected] or 6241 4065. Philip in another dwelling to look at

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 444

Blitz at OCCGR Margaret Ning From 25 to 27 January Jim Wil- liamson and I used our quad bikes to target the St Johns wort on Old Cooma Common Grassland Re- serve (OCCGR). While we origi- nally planned that one person would boom spray and that the other would spot spray, it was too windy for this to be carried out. Some boom spraying was still pos- sible, however, and at least the weather was sufficiently fine for the whole three days to be devoted to attacking the wort, as previous efforts had been curtailed a little by rain. The mud map of the site, prepared by Jim, shows the pro- portion of the Common we cov- ACT ALG survey Seeing grasslands flickr site ered. Sarah Sharp David Wong On 5 March a FOG working bee The Southern ACT Catchment There is now a blog and flickr site will be held at the Common (see Group (SCG) has received funding for the Seeing Grasslands project at cover page and page 2). We will under an Australian Government http://seeinggrasslands.word- be using a range of methods, to Community Action Grant to under- press.com/ and http://www.flic- target the most invasive weeds on take a project on African love grass kr.com/groups/seeinggrasslands/. the site. We hope that some new (ALG). The project will produce We are hoping that interested people FOG people will attend. It is great educational materials on the impacts will join and contribute to the flickr opportunity to learn new skills and of ALG, best-practice control and site. to meet fellow FOGgers. identify priority areas. It will also in- Seeing Grasslands is a project that Pauline Lynga crease community participation and aims to raise the profile of grass- Geoff Robertson improve coordination in ALG con- lands and to encourage an interest in trol and containment. It was very sad to learn of the this highly threatened ecosystem as death, on Tuesday 18 January, of The project will, amongst other well as in nature and photography Pauline who for many years has things, investigate the likely future through community participation, been a pivotal member of Coole- distribution of ALG, and prioritise online initiatives and exhibition. It is man Ridge Parkcare Group and a control areas. As part of this, we funded by the 2010 ACT Environ- long time FOG member. In FOG’s want to get as much information as ment Grants and is administered earlier times she provided many il- we can on the current distribution of through the Molonglo Catchment lustrations of how to identify and the grass. I will be undertaking a Group. Other non-government document plants – she compiled a systematic survey of the major roads groups involved in the project in- truly impressive herbarium. Visits in ACT and neighbouring NSW. clude FOG and Photoaccess. to her and Gosta’s lovely home This will be backed up by a survey A report on the project and a work- were always very welcoming. undertaken by as many people as shop organised by FOG was in- FOG wishes Gosta and family our possible in a range of sites and land cluded in our last newsletter – Edi- deepest and heartfelt sympathy. uses, to provide records of where the tor. She will live on in those whose species is currently found, and the

love of Canberra’s nature she in- abundance of the grass at that site. spired . Records of where the species does not occur are also important. FOG website Newsletter available electronically To find out you can help check out The FOG website (www.fog.org.au) the SCG website www.sactcg.org.au. is now well established and attract- You can receive the newsletter elec- Completed survey forms are re- ing over 2,000 visits per month. If tronically. The electronic version is in quired by 2 May. there is anything you'd like to con- colour. To arrange, contact marga- tribute to the site, let us know: web- [email protected]. [email protected].

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 555

Turkish blue devil Linda Spinaze In June last year, Roger and I fi- nally visited Turkey, which had been on our wish list for quite some time. Apart from being overwhelmed by the Iznik tiles in Istanbul, we were stunned when we left our seaside hotel near Pergamon, about 300km south of Istanbul, to find many blue devils in the field opposite our hotel. I had thought that this was an en- demic Australian genus, as is the case with many Australian species, but on returning home, I discov- ered that there are 230 species According to Ian, “The Australian process of being sold to new owners worldwide of this amazing plant. Capital Territory is a treasure trove who will manage them for conserva- Wikipedia tells us that this grass- for naturalists, despite being without tion. Hopefully the new owners will land species is centred in South a coastline, without rainforest or be joining FOG. America, but there is a perennial without deserts. A wealth of biodi- Grass gossip native in Europe, and is often versity is found there, due to the Grasscover found on sea-shores. Our hotel in close proximity of three major habi- Turkey was 200 m from the Medi- tat types: the great western woodland I was recently copied into some terranean. Wikipedia goes on to grassy plains bump up against the emails that I thought I should share. say that the roots have been used inland edge of the coastal hinterland Hi Margaret (Ning) - No doubt I'm as an asparagus substitute, and mountain forests, while the whole way behind with this one. I noticed a some species have potent anti- south-eastern Australian Alps system low-growing grass with maroon- inflammatory properties. reaches its northern limit in the purple inflorescences growing in the Brindabella Ranges. Each of these As a physiotherapist, I should red-gravel around the traffic lights at habitats has its own rich suite of grow this plant and feed it to my Kingsford Smith and Ginninderra clients!!!! plants and animals, so a great diver- Drives. Being suspicious of lush sity of life can be found within an newcomers I showed Jenny Conolly. Photo provided by Linda is a Turk- hour's drive of Parliament House”. She handed it to Steve Taylor (of ish species. According to Flora of Parks and Conservation Service) NSW, Australia has seven species, The book introduces the fauna, flora, habitats and reserves of the ACT and who has named it as small burr three are introduced. It also states includes the most recent research grass (Tragus australianus). On a that there are 250 species world- longer bus trip to Woden yesterday I wide—Editor. available. There are ten stories which discuss either a species or a group of saw several other areas of the grass Ian Fraser’s new book species, such as mosses and moun- south of Belconnen. Wouldn't it be Grasscover tain grasshoppers. Many of the sto- good if the emergence of such spe- ries are written from the organism's cies came with migrants' travel de- Ian Fraser has been a long-time tails!, Rosemary Blemings (23 Jan). member and FOG supporter. In point of view. Beautiful paintings fact his name appears in the origi- complement the text and allow better Hello Rosemary - Andrew Paget first nal membership list. visualisation of the stories and the showed me this grass on one of the subjects. median strips where one departs the It shouldn’t be difficult to find Tuggeranong Expressway at the Cot- Ian’s new book, which retails for Conservation properties sold Groundcover ter Rd turnoff. I have seen it at other $50, Bush Capital Year - A Natu- spots like that. It's a pretty cute little ral History of the Canberra Re- In recent months, the newsletter has grass, and I'm glad to see that we gion . Ian’s talks and writings al- advertised two properties belonging have it on the north side too. I have ways approach things from a new to FOG members in the hope that only ever seen it on the gravel areas angle, giving his listeners/readers they would be sold to people who like that. Thanks for bringing it to some new insights to ponder over. would continue to manage them for my attention. Cheers, Marg (25 Jan). Well Ian you have done it again! conservation. Both are now in the

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 666

FOG advocacy Naarilla Hirsch The first submission for the year was under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation 1999 (EPBC Act). It was on the proposed redevelop- ment of Jamieson House at St John's Church in Reid. The proposed develop- ment should not impact directly on natural temperate grassland or golden sun moth (GSM) habitat at the site, al- though there is uncertainty about the impact of afternoon shading of GSM habitat. FOG asked that the proposed program of native grassland improve- ment, including removal of significant weed species and exotic grasses from the site and replacement with suitable native grasses and forbs, be a formal commitment of the proposed redevelop- ment, and that it be maintained and monitored for at least five years. A proposed expansion of the Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre, ACT was also put out for public com- ment. While FOG recognises the need for the ACT Government to provide sites for essential infrastructure such as waste management, it cannot support the proposal in its current form because of the steady whittling way of important remnant sites containing threatened eco- logical communities and species. FOG’s specific concerns are the lack of an ac- companying statement about the long- term plans for waste-management, off- sets, and the strategy already in place to ensure the adequate protection and man- agement of woodlands. The Commonwealth has determined that the proposed development of Ngun- nawal 2C in Gungahlin is a controlled action under the EPBC Act , so the ACT Land Development Agency asked for public comment on some Preliminary Documentation on this development. The documents included a proposed strategic approach to the conservation and environmental assessment of GSM FOG e-Bulletin sites in the Canberra area. FOG had sev- eral concerns about this, including the The FOG e-Bulletin contains the latest information on FOG happen- lack of review of the strategy by inde- ings and more. It contains no pictures so its size is minimal. pendent experts, no commitment to If you haven’t been receiving it, and you want to, please provide Mar- adopting or implementing the final garet ([email protected]) with your e-mail address. Also, strategy by the ACT Government, please let Margaret know of address changes. Continued next page

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 777 lack of development of a recovery of damage. In hot weather the estab- plan for the moth that is agreed to by Cultivation Corner: lished plants that started flowering in all stakeholders, and the need for Rock Isotome - Janet Russell November quickly go to seed and more work to be done on establish- As always, I take my camera out become dry-looking, however, they ing the status of the moth at this (and and inspect the garden looking for respond very well to being cut back. other) sites. FOG reiterated its oppo- inspiration for my next FOG article. The specimen in the photos germi- sition to any developments that ne- One of the stars of the garden at the nated during the wet weather event cessitate the use of offsets. In our moment is rock isotome ( Isotoma we had early in December and is still view, there should be no develop- axillaris ). looking fresh and green. ment in high conservation areas, and The NSW losses from development should be Herbar- minimized in any area with a conser- ium ad- vation value. Having said this, we vises that made a number of comments about this plant the offset section of the Preliminary grows in Documentation . In particular, FOG crevices pointed out that conservation meas- on rocky ures taken in the past to offset losses cliffs, es- occurring at that time cannot be used pecially again to offset further losses, that granite offsets should be in place before the and sand- development commences, and that stone out- the proposed offset ratios were too crops, in low given the history of inadequate shallow resourcing of conservation reserves sandy and other environmental problems soils of slopes and around rock wa- The seed pods need to be collected such as weed control. FOG’s view is terholes. In the wild, they seem to before they get too dry, otherwise that offsets should be aimed at net have an amazing capacity to germi- the tiny brown seed will all be dis- gain , not maintenance of the status nate where there appears to be no persed. I have collected some seeds quo, if there is any hope of these soil to support them and they make this year and thought I might do species and ecosystems eventually a wonderful natural landscaping fea- some broadcasting in late winter. I becoming sufficiently common in ture. They belong to the Lobeli- am assuming that they will germi- the landscape to no longer need to be aceae family. The only other Aus- nate and don’t need too much fuss listed as endangered. tralian members of this family are made of them. I quite often inspect The NSW Department of Industry the genera of Lobelia and Pratia . seed under the microscope as I find and Investment asked for public Rock isotome is a Southern Table- the huge diversity of seeds fascinat- comment on Statutory Review Issues lands plant but also grows in coastal ing. Rock isotome seeds are brown Paper concerning the Noxious areas. A volunteer at the Eurobo- and rectangular with a folded lip on Weeds Act 1993 . FOG supported a dalla Regional Botanical Gardens one side. They have a sheen which number of the proposed changes. In told me that this plant had been pro- gives off microscopic rainbow- particular, FOG saw the introduction lifically self-seeding in the gardens coloured flecks under the light. If of a permitted list approach in NSW where it was not wanted. It self- anyone is interested in raising them to be a useful step in preventing the seeds in our garden but it has not from seed, contact me and I will get spread of new weeds into high con- reached epic proportions. Perhaps, I them to you. servation areas, and suggested that a should have added the word “yet”. In spite of the recent drying weather, key reform would be provision for In fact, we have been waiting for it there is still plenty of colour in the public nominations of species to be to establish itself outside in the garden from rock isotome, paper dai- listed as weeds to an independent wildflower garden, and this year it sies ( Xerochrysum sp. and Leu- scientific assessment committee. has appeared for the first time. cochrysum albicans ), yellow buttons FOG also supported proposals to (Chrysocephalum apiculatum ), blue- delegate Class 4 notifications to Lo- We bought two plants in 2006 and bells ( Wahlenbergia spp. ), blue fan cal Control Authorities , and to in- have had a succession of plants vol- flowers (Scaevola sp. ) and various clude in the Act specific provisions unteer ever since. It establishes it- brachyscome daisy species. I shall for the management of conflict spe- self on the edge of our courtyard cut back the dry grasses to show the cies, such as those in commercial use and paths as well as amongst the forbs off to better advantage if we but are also weedy, for example, rocks. We had caterpillar infesta- get this cool spell that is promised. pines. The full text of FOG submis- tions on one plant which were not sions appears on our website. discovered until they had done a lot

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 888

a new auditor for us. Unfortunately, tery and has recruited a team to help. Report 2010 the accounts are not yet finalised With agreement of Cemetery man- Geoff Robertson, President (they will be presented at the AGM) agement, bursaria have successfully Dear fellow FOG members, much and reported upon in the next news- been planted in the woodland area. has been achieved in 2010 and letter. Andy is also FOG’s public officer and he and Janet made an out- while I often heard it said that FOG Sarah Sharp is a very valuable asset standing contribution to FOG relies on the efforts of a few, the to the FOG’s committee showing through their Open Garden in Octo- contrary is actually true. Many much initiative. Apart from contribu- ber last. FOG members contribute in so tions on a whole range of fronts, she many ways. The challenge is for has taken on the responsibility for Linda has taken over organising the FOG committee, and the presi- FOG publications (see separate re- FOG efforts at African lovegrass dent in particular, to understand port). monitoring at Scottsdale. For some- and appreciate this effort and to one who is very committed on other A special thanks to the committee nudge it along if the effort strays a activities, she squeezes in a lot of members who have not already been little from time to time. FOG effort. mentioned. They are very wise and a As I have signalled on earlier occa- great strength to FOG’s delibera- In 2010 we finalised our report on sions I will not stand for president tions. the golden sun moth (GSM), a huge at the AGM. I am very pleased that effort. Special thanks to Will Os- Isobel has represented FOG on many the committee have worked very borne and Anett Richter. An extra occasions, organised FOG’s card constructively to ensure a success- special thanks to Sarah Hnatiuk who (check it out at the AGM), and plays ful transition. In particular, it is put in an extraordinary contributions an important role on many activities. great news that John Fitz Gerald on this project. Hopefully we can Tony is active on many fronts and has agreed to stand as president at resurrect this work sometime. the AGM on 15 March - I am con- produces our e-Bulletin which many vinced he will do a fantastic job. of you find very useful. The newsletter continues to be of a high standard. The Nov-Dec 2010 Another piece of very good news is David Eddy is a stalwart on many is- News of Friends of Grasslands was that Heather Sweet has agreed to sues. In 2010 he organised our new the 86th issue. Regular contributions take over as newsletter editor from FOG display board and continues to from Michael Bedingfield, Janet the next issue. I know she will like- play an important conservation role Russell and Naarilla Hirsch and wise do a fantastic job. in the Monaro and ACT, and particu- many others greatly contribute to its larly Old Cooma Common Grass- John Fitzgerald and Linda Spinaze success. recently took over as FOG program land Reserve (OCCGR). Kim our co-ordinators, when Janet Russell immediate past president is always The website, under the masterful and I stood down - they are already prepared to take on a number of control of Richard Bomford contin- producing an excellent program. A tasks. ues to score many hits. The highest average daily hit seems to have oc- separate report on the program will Our on-ground work achieves re- curred in March 2010, 751 hits a be circulated with the AGM papers. markable results. Despite being a day. Even in January 2011, the aver- very difficult site to work with, FOG Naarilla Hirsch will continue to age daily hit was 646. The website is persists with OCCGR and a remark- drive our advocacy effort (see sepa- also used for research, examining able effort is made by our regular rate report). The advocacy group our submissions, and to find out volunteers (close to 50 different indi- meets regularly and is extremely about FOG’s events. It is a source of viduals over the years), and the ex- well focused - a powerhouse! membership and other enquiries. traordinary efforts of Jim and Mar- Also members can renew via the The secretarial function is shared, garet who do regular blitzes there. website. and here special thanks to Al, Sue David, Jim and Margaret are also ac- Mathams (minute taker), Naarilla, tive members of the OCCGR man- FOG provides many other services Margaret and Janet. Margaret con- agement committee. David and Mar- to its members. Our inquiry line is tinues do so a fantastic job on garet also represent FOG on the very busy. Our advice is sought from membership - she is able to stay in Monaro Regional Weeds Commit- many government agencies, industry personal touch with so many peo- tee. and other conservation and farming ple and she contributes in so many sources. other ways. Jamie Pittock provides extraordinary leadership with the FOG-Fenner FOG continues to break new ground, Sandra masterly controls FOG’s group - see separate report. to promote the cause of grassy eco- complex finances, with help from systems. Many new issues occupy Andy Russell has proved persistence others. Stephen Horn will be assist- FOG’s attention. Three stand out: can pay dividends and made some ing Sandra in future and has found first, finding suitable offsets that are remarkable headway at Hall Ceme-

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 999 substantive, practical and long- made the job easier for members and would be used to provide other pub- lasting, second, grassy-ecosystem FOG and we generally have few lications and media to promote management and restoration based problems with people paying mem- grassy ecosystems. The FOG com- on proper bush regeneration prac- bership on line without completing mittee has appointed me as its Publi- tices and innovative science, and the form correctly. People not re- cations Co-ordinator, and established third, marrying up grassy- questing receipts also helps to reduce a steering committee whose mem- ecosystem conservation and Indige- the workload. bers consist of Isobel Crawford, David Eddy, Geoff Robertson, Ber- nous values. In respect of the latter, Attendance at newsletter despatch nadette O’Leary, Rainer Rehwinkel I would highly recommend your nights is good on most occasions, and me to oversight FOG publica- participation in the Indigenous val- but we need to see some new faces tions. ues workshops that FOG is organis- there, even if attendance is occa- ing in March and April. sional. Contact Margaret if you can Work on Woodland Flora is well un- FOG plays an active role in other help with this. derway. A list of species to be in- cluded has been prepared, species conservation groups such as the Advocacy in 2010 have been divided up between au- conservation council, BoB Naarilla Hirsch Molongo and Gungahlin, the Lime- thors (Eddy, Mallinson, Rehwinkel stone Plains Group, etc. FOG has 2010 was a busy year on the advo- and Sharp) for preparation of first been playing a major role in Kosci- cacy front. There were 34 submis- draft of text, photos are being col- uszko to Coast (K2C). Currently I sions on ACT and NSW issues, cov- lated, and the writing up of each spe- am Chair of its executive commit- ering development proposals, the cies has begun. Our plan is to have tee and David Eddy is also on its ACT Commissioner for Sustainabil- draft entries prepared by end April, committee. ity and Environment (CSE) investi- finalise the text by end October and gations, reviews of legislation, plans publish and launch the publication Finally, may I say that being an ac- of management, and inquiries and by December. The distribution proc- tive FOG member has been very re- strategic planning documents. The ess should be established by Feb warding, and being FOG’s presi- submissions may seen by looking at 2012. dent a great personal honour. I our website. would like to thank the numerous Stocks of Grassland Flora were people who have brought projects In addition there were letters to gov- down to 16 by the end of 2010, hav- to FOG and/or who have always ernment, including letters of support ing sold over 700 copies in 2010. been so responsive to requests to do for funding projects, on a range of After some deliberation, Isobel, Rai- some most extraordinary tasks. issues. Much time was taken up in ner, David and I revised the text and planning and participation in the 3,000 copies of the new edition are Membership 2010 CSE’s grassland forum. Developing being printed, as it is expected that Margaret Ning FOG’s position on offsets , which in- there will be a surge of demand once At the end of December, FOG had volved a workshop and follow-up the Woodland Flora is published. 221 financial members, which is a meetings, also took up much time Our publication stock also includes net increase of 15, and includes 45 but greatly assisted in many of our the Grassy Ecosystems, Management new members. That means that submissions where offsets were a Kit (paper version and CD). Copies around 30 members did not renew consistent theme. Another major task of these are available from me. in 2010. was to represent FOG at a number of community consultation processes More reports 2010 It is always a big job to chase up for development projects and at renewals and so I hope that anyone Unfortunately, there is insufficient other environmental groups meet- reading this report will ensure that space to include all the reports that ings. his/her membership is up to date. were available. The following re- Many members also generously FOG publications 2010 ports have been held over, but will make donations, which helps us Sarah Sharp be included in AGM papers to be distributed by Al Gabb - Editor. make a small surplus. For over ten In 2009, the ACT government years now we have kept our mem- handed over the remaining Grass- • FOG program 2010 (Geoff bership fees low: $20 a person or land Flora, and in 2010 the proceeds Robertson) family, $5 concession, and $50 for of the sales of Grassland Flora, with • Con Council Bio Group 2010 corporate. This represents good a formal agreement that FOG would (Sarah Sharp) value for money, especially as, at use these funds to print and distrib- many of our events, refreshments ute future Grassland Flora and pro- • E-Bulletin 2010 (Tony Lawson) are provided for nothing or at duce a new book Woodland Flora, a nominal cost. • Molonglo BoB 2010 (Sarah field guide to the Southern Table- Sharp) The recent introduction of EFT has lands, and that more generally funds

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 101010 John Blay on the Bundian Pass Geoff Robertson

MON 4 OCT On a mild spring afternoon, I sat in John tricts of Victoria and beyond via the Omeo Gap. It has Blay’s study listening to him tell me about the work he been suggested that predated the Silk Road, the Roman was doing on the Bundian Way. I had not met John be- roads and other great roads of world antiquity. Many fore but I realised that I should have as he is an author traces of the Bundian Way still remain in the present day. who writes about our local history and environment. The Bundian way is part of a network of Aboriginal path Currently he is finalising a book on the Bundian Way ways in Yuin, Ngarigo, Jaitmathang and Bidawal coun- and work ing on a survey of the natural and cultural try. These connected the people and their ceremonies, as heritage values of the tract from the high country to the well as sacred places, and provided trade routes across sea at , especially looking at the relation- the continent. They were particularly used to travel to and ships between grasslands and forests, so they can be from places where special events took place, such as captured and communicated. I had heard of this project whaling and springtime ceremonies in Twofold Bay and before but it seemed a little shrouded in mystery and a moth hunting and ceremonies in the high country during little too far south to capture my full attention. summer. For the early settlers there was a great physical barrier Now the Bundian Way has a symbolic role that demon- between the coast and the Monaro, and Eden could not strates the Aboriginal people’s deep connections with service settlers from the tableland. The Aboriginal peo- their much-varied environment and how, in an ever- ple, apart from showing settlers their whaling expertise changing world, some things remain. It has also become at Twofold Bay, also showed the settlers the tracks that an important element of our shared history. they had used for thousands (maybe tens of thousands) From a scientific perspective, the way passes through of years between the coast and the Monaro and also many Aboriginal landscapes and demonstrates some of how to get into Gippsland which was unsettled at the the variety and antiquity of their land management prac- time. tices. It is possible eucalyptus speciesisation led to its The Bundian Way is named after the Bundian Pass, domination of the landscape as a consequence of firestick which was the easiest walking route from the tablelands use from about 40 to 50,000 years ago. Many scientists to the coastal plains. It skirts Bondi Creek, the old say the series of eucalypts (and the communities they Bondi Station and the vicinity referred to by names dominate) between the tree line and the sea have univer- spelt as Bundyang, Boondyang and Bondia in early ac- sal significance and deserve the highest heritage recogni- counts. tion. Further research along the way should help us to un- derstand how traditional Aboriginal land management Its route mostly follows rugged country and local roads shaped the complexity of the landscape and its vegetation and tracks. One spur continues on to Omeo and Gipp- patterns, and may well assist in developing new modern sland or to the western plains via the Omeo gap. The approaches to land management. Certainly, enhanced un- Bundian Way passes through Delegate and the village derstanding of the Aboriginal landscape will bring of Towamba, finishing near Boydtown on Twofold greater respect for country. Bay. There are many records of how aborigines showed settlers the way, which was then followed by explorers, then horsemen and cattlemen. As an ancient pathway it was one of the re- markable trade and cultural routes of Aus- tralia, not only connecting the moth sites of the high country with the whale places on the coast but also Gippsland and the western dis-

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 111111

Looking back and forward, the FOGFOG----FennerFenner Group Jamie Pittock Conservation of the grasslands at Yarramundi Reach growth of indigenous species from seed and thatch. In and grassy woodlands at Stirling Park was the focus of spring 2010 some 300 cells of four local species were the second year of a FOG project undertaken in con- planted in trial plots. However the massive growth of junction with the Fenner School of Environment and grass and weeds following good rains in late 2010 has Society at ANU. Six work parties were undertaken with made work on the site more difficult. FOG continues to an average of 14 volunteers contributing 90 hours work monitor both sites to identify more optimal conservation on each day, and an average of 46m 3 of weed material techniques. being removed. Our thanks go to the many volunteers In late 2010 FOG collaborated with Conservation Volun- who contributed over 500 hours to the restoration of teers Australia, which led three more woody weed re- these key habitats. moval parties, two at Stirling Park and one at a new site This work was supported with welcome funding from at Scrivener's Hut, between State and Capital Circles the National Capital Authority (NCA) for supplies and (west). equipment. In 2011 FOG has a third year of planned activities, in- At Stirling Park vast areas of woody weeds are gradu- cluding one nature walk and seven work parties at Scriv- ally being removed from amongst the nation's second ener's Hut, Stirling Park and Yarramundi Reach. We have largest population of the endangered button wrinkle- again received welcome financial support from the NCA wort. Regeneration of understorey vegetation with the for this work. rains in spring 2010 has been remarkable and inspiring. FOG remains concerned at the limited resources avail- Common woody weeds are being removed in vast num- able to the NCA to manage these key grassy ecosystem bers. Small infestations of particularly nasty weeds are remnants and at the lack of security of conservation ten- being controlled, namely broom, serrated tussock, Afri- ure of these lands. In 2010 FOG made a number of repre- can lovegrass and St John's wort. Sadly, the ACT's first sentation to the federal government seeking removal of infestation of Maderia vine was located in the park. potential development zonings over these lands, greater Also notable are a new tranche of woody weeds emerg- investment in conservation management, targeted re- ing from garden plantings, including desert ash and moval of exotic trees, and co-management of Yarramundi Chinese pistachio. In winter 2010 sixty woodland trees Reach with the Lindsay Pryor Arboretum. We expect to and shrubs were planted into disturbed areas of the step up our advocacy for conservation of the grassy eco- park, strategically, to reconnect habitat. A FOG nature systems on national lands in 2011. walk at Stir- Estimated volume of cut ling Park was Date Number of volunteers Number of volunteer hours* material fully sub- Yarra- Yarra- Yarra- Stir- scribed and mundi Stirling mundi Stirling mundi ling Reach Ridge Total Reach Ridge Total Reach Ridge Total involved a lot of local resi- 2009 dents. 4-Apr-09 30 0 30 107 0 107 20 0 20 2-May-09 0 20 20 0 121 121 0 30 30 At Yarra- mundi Reach 19-Sep-09 20 0 20 88 0 88 20 0 20 our work to 17-Oct-09 0 9 9 0 88 88 0 40 40 find methods 5-Dec-09 0 11 11 0 80 80 0 40 40 to replace in- 28-Dec-09 6 0 6 21 0 21 2 0 2 vading Chil- Total 56 40 96 216 289 505 42 110 152 ean needle 2010 grass, among other horrors, 27-Mar-10 0 12 12 0 93 93 0 40 40 with native 18-May-10 0 17 17 0 101 101 0 100 100 grasses con- 26-Jun-10 0 11 11 0 69 69 0 42 42 tinues. While 11-Sep-10 16 0 16 104 0 104 2 0 2 we have had a 16-Oct-10 0 14 14 0 98 98 0 45 45 lot of success 20-Nov-10 3 8 11 22 50 72 1 45 46 killing the ex- otic grasses Total 19 62 81 126 411 537 3 272 275 we have not Average 9.5 12.4 13.5 63 82.2 89.5 1.5 54.4 45.8 yet succeeded TOTAL 75 102 177 342 700 1042 45 382 427 in facilitating * includes volunteer hours on work record sheets plus one hour per volunteer for lunch and travel

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 121212

weedy mulching products like spoiled hay, in prefer- How to Grow Weeds - Jackie Miles ence to clean ones like sugar cane mulch or rice hulls. It’s likely to be heaps cheaper, at least in the short term. Jackie leading the FOG Better still, get a load of un-composted manure from swamp trip in February 2010. your nearest stable or dairy, dig it in and then don’t Over the last twenty years bother removing anything that comes up. managing my property in Sixth, extend your gardening out of the house yard and Brogo and working as a bota- into the bush. It’ll look so much prettier with some nice nist, I have discovered ten big colourful flowers scattered through it. While you great methods for introducing are at it, why not mow your bush too? Mowers and and spreading weeds. Follow slashers are a great way of spreading weed seed, espe- these ten easy steps and you cially if you mow your weediest areas first, and then can, like me, guarantee your- head into the bush. self a fairly onerous weed control job for life! Seventh, dump your garden waste over the fence, or better still, find a nice moist spot for it like a gully. First, weeds love bare ground, so create as much as you can. Eighth, wait till weeds have produced seed before you Pen or hand feed hard-footed remove them, and don’t bother collecting the seed for livestock in small areas, espe- safe disposal. In fact why not spread it around a bit? cially when soil is wet. Over- Slash seeding plants, or carry weeds to another area for stock your paddocks and just burning or burying. Or take them to the tip in an un- hang in during droughts rather covered load on your trailer or ute. than destocking – it’s bound to rain sooner or later Ninth, tackle new infestations on your place on an ad and in the meantime you can buy feed in. When con- hoc basis. Don’t bother doing a thorough search to find trolling weeds, use a non-selective herbicide, or culti- out the full extent of the infestation, just hit the plants vate the ground to create lots of bare areas. Burn you find first and hope for the best. You never know, piles of fallen timber all over the place. Spray herbi- that might be all there are. cide along fence lines and around buildings to keep the place looking neat. Tenth, don’t bother controlling weeds that appear on the road verge near your property. It’s not your land, so Second, if hand-feeding livestock, use hay or grain, they are not your problem, or not yet, anyway. Some- not pellets, and spread the stuff all over the property. one else will take care of them. Don’t bother checking where it comes from or what weed seed it is likely to include. You are bound to get Just kidding folks! If you can avoid doing any or all of novel weeds well distributed around your block. these things, it should greatly improve your chances of preventing new infestations and controlling the weeds Third, increase soil fertility. We all know Australian you already have effectively. It’s still going to be a job soils are mostly pretty poor in nutrients, and richer for life, but hopefully a less onerous one. has to be better, right? And with the odd exception like African lovegrass, most weeds will do so much For more information on weeds and weed control, see the better with a bit of extra nutrition. It really gives them Weeds of the South Coast and Grow Me Instead booklets, that crucial edge over the local natives. Apply lots of available from Council or the Southern Rivers CMA, fertiliser in your house yard and then water like mad whose websites list other useful books and websites. so most of it gets carried down-slope into other areas. Jackie’s tips on growing weeds Fourth, don’t worry about what the local weeds look like or getting unfamiliar plants properly identified. If 1. Create as much bare ground as possible. you don’t like the look of something it is bound to be 2. Hand-feed hay or grain, not pellets, and spread it around. a weed and deserves nuking. On the other hand if it 3. Increase soil fertility. has a pretty flower it is bound to be harmless. 4. Don’t worry about identifying weeds and unfamiliar plants. Fifth, garden like there’s no tomorrow. Acquire your plants indiscriminately from friends giving away sur- 5. Plant pretty plants and acquire plants from your friends. plus plants (bound to be the weediest species) and 6. Extend your garden into the bush. charity stalls. Don’t bother asking at the nursery 7. Put garden waste over the fence, or moist spots like gullies. about the weed potential of plants. If you like the look of it, just buy it. Buy from mail-order companies 8. Remove weeds after producing seed, and spread seed. that advertise their plants as likely to naturalise freely 9. Tackle new infestations when the fancy takes you. in your garden. Hell, why not go the whole hog and order seed from overseas on the Internet? Go for nice 10. Don’t worry about weeds on road verge near your property.

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 131313

Knob sedge and shortshort----stemstem sedge ––– Common but inconspicuous amongst the grass by Michael Bedingfield As the growing season advances in our grassy areas, and the landscape is dominated by slender green leaf blades, some plants are lost in the green meadows. Among the grassy understorey there may be a great variety of different sorts of plants - lilies, daisies, orchids, peas, ferns and various forbs. Some have narrow leaves, or green or small flowers, and they escape notice. Examples are the knob sedge and short-stem sedge, which both have grass-like leaves, and to the untrained eye can blend into the surroundings. Both are difficult to identify unless there are flower-heads or seed-heads present. Their flow- ers too are very small, and a magnifying glass is re- quired to examine them properly. The knob sedge is known botanically as Carex in- versa . It is perennial, and spreads by short, under- ground rhizomes, and can develop from a small tuft into a dense patch. The preferred habitat is in grass- lands and woodlands, in places which have above average moisture levels, or in depressions that are wet in winter. The flower-head consists of two to five, green, oval-shaped flower spikes, 5-10 mm long. These are at the top of a slender stem, with one to several leaf-like bracts growing out from among them. The flower stems are often quite short, only 10 to 15 cm. But in the right situation can grow up to 30 or 40 cm tall, especially if competing with grasses for light. In the drawing I’ve shown a taller specimen at about one-third of normal size. When growing in this way, they can be quite graceful. This plant is common and widespread in our region, preferring lower altitudes, is widely distributed in NSW and occurs in all states ex- cept Northern Territory. The short-stem sedge has similar looking leaves to the knob sedge and is called Carex breviculmis . It too is perennial, spreads by rhizomes, and can create small patches. The flower-head or culm is erect, and is usually shorter than the leaves. Most often it is quite small, only two to five centremetres, and at a maximum would be 10cm tall, and hence the name breviculmis . On each culm grow several tiny flower spikes, of which the upper one is the anther- producing male, and the rest are female. With the natural curves of the leaves, the plant is able to achieve some elegance, in its own small way. It grows in grasslands and woodlands, and prefers drier situations. It occurs at all altitudes within the ACT, and is found in all states except WA. The drawing shows it at two-thirds of normal size. As our eyes become more and more attuned to the variety and detail in our grassy ecosys- tems, we are rewarded by noticing the previously unseen members of these plant commu- nities. The knob sedge and short-stem sedge are among these .

News of Friends of Grasslands, MarchMarch----AprilApril 2011, page 141414

Financial matters, excluding membership, contact FOG groups and projects [email protected] or Sandra on 02 4846 1096. Activities organises FOG field trips, talks, workshops, Grassland Flora FOG is now responsible for sales of on-ground works, support to other groups, property vis- Grassland Flora. Inquiries: [email protected]. its, and the FOG calendar. Inquiries: activiti- General inquiries Contact [email protected], Geoff [email protected]. Robertson (6241 4065) or Janet Russell (6251 8949). Advocacy prepares submissions and advocates for Hall Cemetery , with ACT Government, holds regular grassy ecosystem issues. It holds occasional meetings working bees to protect the Hall leek orchid and gener- and workshops. Inquiries: [email protected]. ally restore the site. Inquiries: [email protected]. African love grass (ALG) monitoring holds monitor- Media spokesperson Geoff Robertson (6241 4065). ing days at the Bush Heritage property at Scottsdale. FOG is a regular contributor on Radio Landcare, Tues 9- Inquiries: [email protected]. 10am on (2XX, Canberra 98.3FM). Committee & correspondence The Committee organ- Membership and newsletter despatch See Membership ises, coordinates and monitors FOG activities. Mem- box (page 2). Newsletter despatch is fourth Tuesday of bers are Geoff Robertson (Pres.), Isobel Crawford Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct. To help, contact marga- (Vice Pres), Sarah Sharp (Vice Pres.) Al Gabb (Sec.), [email protected]. Sandra Hand (Treas), Kim Pullen (Imm. Past Pres), David Eddy, Naarilla Hirsch, Stephen Horn, Tony Old Cooma Common (OCC) with Cooma Monaro Lawson, Margaret Ning and Benjamin Whitworth. Shire Council manages the OCC Grassland Reserve. Andy Russell is public officer. Inquiries/ Working bees are held twice yearly. Inquiries: marga- correspondence: [email protected]. Postal ad- [email protected] or [email protected]. dress: FOG, PO Box 987, Civic Square, ACT 2608. Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (STEP) FOG Communication produces News of Friends of Grass- helped establish STEP (at Canberra’s International Arbo- lands and FOG e-Bulletin . Inquiries: retum), a regional botanic gardens and recovery centre to [email protected] (newsletter), and showcase local ecosystems, especially native grasses and [email protected] (e-Bulletin). forbs. Inquiries: [email protected]. Cultivation and Conservation encourages growing of Woodland Flora is planning the production of Wood- local grasses and wild flowers to learn about their horti- land Flora, the sequel of the popular Grassland Flora. culture and ecology, and produces Cultivation Corner . Inquiries: [email protected]. Inquiries: [email protected]. Website (www.fog.org.au) full of FOG information, FOG ANU Fenner School , with the National Capital back issues of News of Friends of Grasslands, and pro- Authority, holds regular working bees at Yarramundi gram details. Inquiries: [email protected]. Reach (grasslands) and Stirling Ridge (woodlands). In- quiries: [email protected].

Friends of Grasslands Inc. PO Box 987 Civic Square ACT 2608